We Will Remember Them

One hundred years ago today, the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers landed on Gallipoli to join allied forces hoping to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul) which was the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.   The attack at Gallipoli had failed and more than 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed.   However this day was not a day of shame but a day of pride.  25 April has now become the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.  

The "Ode of Remembrance" is an ode taken from Laurence Binyon's poem, "For the Fallen", 

(Stanzas 3, 4, and 5 out of 7)

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They sit no more at familiar tables of home;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They shall sleep with honour as do we;

You Have to Look With the Heart

Remember ...

"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Show Me the Money

There is a project to decorate National Australia Bank ATMs around the nation using paintings done by women of the Titjikala Arts Centre.

I chanced upon two of them when I intentionally opted to walk along a road I wouldn't normally pass.

Air Conversion

Our pre-loved Dyson conked out on us a couple of weeks back.
MacGyver sold it at Gumtree for $20.

At the onset we were hoping to find a suitable replacement there (Gumtree) but decided to buy a new vacuum cleaner that comes with a warranty.

While going through the eBay and Gumtree ads for replacement vacuum cleaners, I got side tracked checking out air fryers being sold.  I have two reliable mother friends that have given rave reviews over this gadget.  New branded air fryers are quite expensive.  I was willing to go for the Aldi brand machine but those are not always in stock.

I found a couple at Gumtree being sold cheap.  One was near our place for $30 being sold as faulty (seller had tried it once and the arm didn't turn) and another one being sold at $20 but pick up was at the city (seller said he had very limited kitchen space).

I was getting better vibes from the one with a small kitchen.  I was willing to pray the price of inconvenience if it meant a higher chance of obtaining a working machine.  I sent out a message and the rest is history.

Long story short, our vacuum cleaner has turned into an air fryer.  

This was our maiden voyage.

The Very Hungry Japanese Caterpillar

Last week, MyGirl went to the city with her friends.

One of their destinations was the Kinokuniya bookstore right beside my office.

I have been working in that area for five years

and despite my love for books, I had only entered the bookstore thrice.

I wondered what was in that bookstore that 14 year olds 

were willing to take the bus to the city to visit.

When I took my lunch break last Thursday,

I decided to explore the bookstore.

To my surprise, Kinokuniya was HUGE!

The bookstore took up practically the whole 2nd level.

And there was a whole section of Japanese books.

They even had one of my favourite books.

I Scream for Ice Cream

I'd be happy to call out Magnolia

but MyGirl thinks

Ben and Jerry's

sounds good too.

Apparently we just missed the annual Free Scoop Day.

Maybe next year on the 14th of April.

Shall we mark the date, MyGirl?

Hungry? Thirsty? Discalced?

Head for the nearest vendo machine.

This one is right outside our office.

There is even a chart on the floor

to help you find the size that best fits you.

Guide Us With Your Grace

Happy Easter, everyone!